Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs sits where the plains meet the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 6,035 feet (1,839 meters), with red sandstone formations rising along its western edge. Neighborhoods spread from the downtown core toward foothills covered in pine and scrub oak, with views extending east across flat grassland.

The area saw its first settlement during the 1859 gold rush, when prospectors arrived searching for ore near Pikes Peak. By 1886 the town incorporated officially, then grew steadily after railroads arrived and military installations were built in the 20th century.

Outdoor recreation shapes daily life here, with locals frequently hiking trails or visiting parks on weekends and after work. Military families form a large part of the community, bringing customs and routines from bases scattered across the area.

Public buses run through most neighborhoods, while the main highway north connects to Denver in about an hour and a half. The high elevation means cooler evenings even in summer and strong sun throughout the day, so bring layers and sunscreen.

A cog railway climbs Pikes Peak through shifting ecosystems, passing from ponderosa pine forest into alpine tundra where almost no trees grow. At the summit visitors often encounter snow or thunderstorms even when the base remains clear and warm.

Location: El Paso County

Inception: 1871

Elevation above the sea: 1,839 m

Website: https://coloradosprings.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.86333,-104.79194

Latest update: December 15, 2025 01:10